The IT Centre will phase out old, unsupported University Mac computers that cannot run the macOS Tahoe 26 operating system, which will be released in autumn 2025. The use of unsupported University Mac computers will be prevented through centralised management on 31 January 2026 at 4 PM.
Old Mac devices will be phased out of use at the University because they are no longer supported by Apple and will not receive important information security updates. Due to data security, it is very important that you return your old University Mac device to the IT recycling service according to the device removal instructions
NB! If you need a new Mac device to replace an end-of-life device for your work, please submit a device purchase request in good time. Please also note that device purchases for the current calendar year must be made by the end of November. To register expenses for the ongoing calendar year, devices must be delivered and invoiced – an advance invoice is not sufficient.
If you are using an old Mac computer
If you have an old Mac computer, you will receive a notification on your Mac device during September 2025 along with removal instructions. To see if your Mac computer supports the macOS Tahoe 26 operating system, go the Apple website and check the section macOS 26 is compatible with these devices. Also see Apple’s instructions for finding Mac model names
1. If the computer is not compatible with the macOS Tahoe 26 operating system, you can send your old phased-out Mac to IT recycling through the University’s internal mail or, if necessary, ask the IT Centre’s on-site support to pick up the old computer. For instructions on how to return the device, see the IT recycling instructions. The hard drives of computers delivered to the recycling service are wiped securely.
2. If you actively use the old Mac device for work and need a replacement, please contact the person responsible for device purchases at your campus and read the instructions for purchasing computers
The IT Centre extends the useful life of the University’s IT equipment by approximately a third by recycling devices at a stage of their life cycle where they can be resold to the University’s IT recycling partner (3 Step IT).
For support, please contact IT Helpdesk
- Chat (weekdays 9 AM to 3 PM, chatbot 24/7): helsinki.fi/helpdesk
- Call: 029 41 55555 (weekdays 9 AM to 3 PM, local network charge / mobile call charge)
- E-mail: helpdesk@helsinki.fi